You Said Remember Me

29

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"Is he picking up?" Chief Kang questioned.

He was standing by the doorway just to the side of Sasha's light brown desk. The woman was holding the phone to her ear then shook her head no.

"Not answering."

Chief Kang let out a loud sigh, "Do you think he'll be fine tomorrow?"

"What do you mean 'Do you think he'll be fine'," Sasha questioned with a click of concern edged in her voice. "That boy would never even get mugged if he were a girl."

"You think so," Chief Kang raised his one eyebrow amused at Sasha's comment. "Then I guess he'll find out by himself that Mrs. Il likes to talk a lot."

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Donghae had arose early, drunk some coffee, and ate a croissant before heading out. Just heading to his car knowing that he'd pick up Victoria then head back to Incheon made him a little happy. Maybe he should visit his uncle after stopping by Il Chung's house.

"Aren't you going to say good morning?" Donghae questioned after Victoria boarded his car then began to pull the seat belt over herself.

Victoria just glanced at him then said, "Can you hurry up and drive? I have plans today."

"What plans?" asked Donghae putting his gear into drive.

"You can return to Seoul without me. I have some things to catch up in Incheon...alone," Victoria emphasized on the word 'alone'.

"Really? Me too," Donghae nodded. "I was going to stop by at my uncle's. Now tell me what you're going to do."

Victoria felt a need to snap at him but suppressed it, "Be quiet...please." It half felt like it took all her effort just to be polite with him.

They came to a stop in front of a beautiful red bricked house with golden colored gates standing before it. After ringing the doorbell they were greeted by a middle aged housekeeper and led up the magnificent curvy stone steps that led to the shiny black door. The healthy green, green grass surrounded the path with tall trees and shrubs growing here and there. A small pond surrounded with two layers of rocks caught Victoria's attention the most. Before she could see if there were any live fishes in the pond the housekeeper's voice interrupted her.

"The madam and her mother are in." the housekeeper advised then whispered, "I'm glad you two are their company today."

"We won't be long," Donghae politely told.

"Oh no," the housekeeper made a face, "stay as long as you like." The wrinkles in her face really outlined her features.

"Can we...go in?" Donghae asked pointing to the door.

"Oh yes! I was so caught up I forgot to let you in." the housekeeper laughed then opened the door for them leading them through the polished hallway.

The lights and dim reflections of the open windows illuminated against the wooden floor. The two of them were shown into a small room with chairs and couches surrounding a long light colored rectangular coffee table. It was probably a place where relatives often met and visited Donghae decided.

"It's a big house isn't it?" asked Donghae turning to look at Victoria who seemed to be staring hard at the coffee table.

"Yea..."

"But I don't think this home can compare to Chief Kang's." Donghae turned back to Victoria. "Right?" Donghae let his eyes focus on her. Victoria was lost in thought. Was she wondering why Il Chung, who had such a large home, would move into such a shabby apartment just like what he was wondering? Or was she thinking about something else? Like her plans for today?

"Sorry for arriving so late. You two must have waited a long time," a woman in her 40's greeted as she entered from the archway. She was followed by an old skinny woman who was draped with expensive jewels. She seemed to have gone to the salon today because her hair was neatly styled up.

"Good morning," Donghae and Victoria got up to greet the two woman who introduced themselves as Il Chung's mother and grandma.

"Please take a seat."

After sitting down Victoria strangely felt the woman's eyes land on her as if they were deeply observing her for something.

"Are you their friend who lived upstairs from them?" Mrs. Il questioned.

"Why would you ask that?" Grandma Il said turning to Mrs. Il in a scolding manner. "Why would you want to know when you already do know."